Jonah and the garden

A mother's day lesson to remember...

It's that time of year again to plant our garden. I've been a bit like Jonah in that I've not wanted to plant in vain. If my dog and the rabbits are going to destroy it, why go through the efforts of blood, blisters, sweat and tears? See, I've been waiting for my husband to agree to some sort of fencing to help protect it.

Thus morning, while going back and forth in my mind, should I plant or just forget it; the Lord spoke immensely to my heart.

He reminded me of the parable of the seed and the sower. (Mark 4:14-20) The sower still planted despite the enemy, despite the stony ground, despite the wayside because that which fell on good ground was fruitful!

Then He related this to the church... not a building or denomination but those redeemed by Christ! What if we had the mentality that the lost are too hopeless, too mean and too selfish, what if others thought those things about me!? Would I be saved? How can others know Him, His grace, His mercy, His LOVE and His FORGIVENESS if we don't take this time, if we don't cast aside doubt and plant!?

Oh how the enemy rejoices in this and how terribly grievous this is to the Holy Spirit!

So, praise You O God for your merciful dealings with my selfish heart! On this day we celebrate new life and love sacrifices I'll till the ground, plant, I'll water and I'll weed. In due time, I'll reap the rewards and my family and friends will enjoy the fruits of my labors.

What's your attitude about the lost, the gospel and the hard labors it takes for one soul to be saved? Some plant, some water but God grants the increase!

"The sower soweth the word." Mark 4:14

Bondage, bandaids and breakthrough!

Bondage, bandaids and breakthrough

If you're looking to improve the old you, religion just might do.
Honestly, that's just a bandaid, to tell the blatant truth.
Religion is a cleaned up version many resort to like sex, alcohol or drugs, only their leadership dresses a bit better than the thugs.
If you're desiring a new you, none of those things will do!
You can be changed, transformed in many ways, but the only change that stays is being washed by amazing Grace!
Trading in that heart of stone will change that heart and mind, it goes far deeper than a temporary street sweeper.
When you're ready to surrender and let go of foolish blenders, you'll come to see the tempter ain't got a thing on the Creator!
Repentance is a must cuz religion just won't do, politics can't even save you, but leave you feeling blue.
Christ came to set the captives free,
my friend we are all born to sin's slavery.
Will you let Him break these chains of sin, will you let Him wash you from deep within?
Are you ready for a change to begin, one that you can see life's purpose in?
You don't have to numb the mind when the Holy Spirit dwells inside.
Let go of what you've tried and accept this peace beyond the human mind.
You are why Christ came.
Believing in Him fully, never leaves one the same.
Do you desire more of the same or will you call on Jesus name?
It's true, His deliverance grants the breakthrough!

So many looking for change...

So many looking for change...

People change jobs or careers, hairstyles, wardrobes or make-up and exercise plans. They change friends and spouses. They change houses or cars, educational paths, political parties or entertainment likings. Even trading religions or their sexual orientation. Many of these leave only a residual pain without the desired change.

More of this, less of that, etc. etc. etc.

They try a million and one different things but the only change that forever stays is a genuine walk with the One who saves! A personal journey with the King; He who forever remains the same.

As countless have their sights set on new resolutions, may the greatest of all be that you come to know Christ. He's more than religion or financial burden. He came to set us free from our futile desires and save us from our sin that separates us from the Father who lives, loves and forgives.

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36

For those who say they're already saved, are your life changes in Him evident to those you call family and friends? Are you sharing Him and His changes within? Is His freedom seen by all around? Do you tell them you've traded temporary change for His cross and a crown?

In the hands of...

Some leave it in the hands of fate.
Others maybe with a soul mate?
Me, I I can't leave it lay in the void.
Left to wrestle my thoughts among the noise.
Don't wanna play with devilish toys.
Instead I know just where to go.
I don't have to be the devils side show.
Rather, I seek my Saviors face.
The One who died in my place.
The One who created the human race.
The One who sees every hidden space.
The One whom my heart does chase.
The One who forever REIGNS!
The One whose known as the Prince of Peace!
Who is it that sees YOU through life's maze?
In the end what do you truly gain?

Contending with the Creator

Contending with the Creator?

There are things we face and go through that are beyond our abilities. Sure, we may be able to withstand for a time but inevitably our own strength fades. During these times we often think we can handle the situation better than God.

"Woe to the crown of pride" Isaiah 28:1 Only pride could cause our hearts to swell in such a grievous way!  Are we really stronger than He, smarter than He or wiser than He? God forbid, NO!!! Yet this is exactly what we act like when we butt heads with Him and what He wants for us.

In Job 41 the Lord questions Job about the great Leviathan; his strength, wickedness and ability to devour anything. Vs 34 says, "... he is the king over all the children of pride." In essence he's asking Job, what can you do with such evil? Can you defeat it?

Basically the Lord showed Job how weak we really are as well as how limited our knowledge and understanding is in comparison to God. Even the most vile and wretched creature is no match for the God we serve.

"Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not." Job 42:1-3

Sometimes we need reminded too. I encourage you to read Job 38-42. Who are we to question the Creator and His capabilities? We are but dust! There's nothing He cannot do! He is greater than we are by far, for He can do everything! Will we struggle in our out strength and attempt to contend with God or come to trust His capabilities far exceed our own?

The cause to call on Christ

He's still the Saviour in the storm... the cause to call on Christ

"And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" Mark 4:37-40

Can you picture being here? Wow, what an incredible scene, right? Can you see past this event to circumstances you might be facing? Does your faith teeter with new developments or changes in intensity?

When these men focused on the storm, they allowed doubt in! What did they ask Jesus, "Master, Don't you care if we die!?!" (paraphrased) Doubt is opposite of faith and it grimly causes us to question Christ! Notice He was with them the whole time and when they called on Him, He answered!

Jesus didn't beat around the bush, He knew they had seen Him do many miraculous things. He was right in saying, "how is it that you have no faith?"

Since He is unchanging, we know He still speaks "peace be still" to our life's storms. Are we calling on Him in faith, trusting and believing He is able or are we doubtfully questioning His care, concern and capabilities?

The fight against the false witness

Have you ever had to deal with a "false witness"?

"A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow." Proverbs 25:18

Think how destructive these weapons are! A 'maul' or mallet breaks, a sword separates and a sharp arrow pierces!

"A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies." Proverbs 14:5

Safe to say then a false witness reflects the character of Satan. Doesn't he "come to steal, kill and destroy"? (John 10:10) It's also a byproduct of the heart's evil state (Matthew 15:19).

Truth is, "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape." Proverbs 19:5 The Lord God has a lot to say about such malicious slander! Why? He hates the destruction it brings!

To the false witness---> Be sure "... your sin will find you out"! (Numbers 32:23)

To the believer, secure in Christ ---> "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Exodus 14:14 May we cry out as David saying, "Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me." Psalm 35:1

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:19-21

Though the situation may be overwhelming, there is hope! Trust in the Lord and praise Him in the meantime!

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies." Psalm 18:2-3